Game 40: Different day, different personnel, same mistakes (25-15)

Mr. Musser commented on Charlie Manuel's poor lineup construction yesterday; Manuel batted Michael Martinez 2nd, which is the arguably the most important spot in the lineup (debatable with 4th). Luckily, Martinez did not bat second tonight - Wilson Valdez did. Charlie didn't have many great options tonight with Victorino hurt and Polanco "needing" a day off. However, Wilson Valdez is atrocious. I would have rather seen Carlos Ruiz, John Mayberry, or Ben Francisco (or more preferably Ross Gload to take advantage of Westbrook's platoon splits, but that would be expecting too much). Essentially Carlos Ruiz is sleeping in the basement while Wilson Valdez gets a penthouse suite.

As could be expected, the offense was anemic. Cliff Lee didn't really help although he only allowed 3 runs. He walked 6 people which is simply outrageous.

The Phillies were down by 2 runs going into the bottom of the 8th inning with Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman, and Allen Craig due up. They're all right handed or switch hitters. I probably would have done the same thing as Charlie and use J.C. Romero. That's a lie, I'm not THAT insane. Luckily no runs scored, but as Romero has proven recently and over the long haul, he should not be pitching to RHBs. Apparently Charlie thinks 2 runs are too many to make up with your 3,4, and 5 hitters due up in the 9th. Maybe he's right when your 3 hitter is Ibanez and your 5 hitter is John Mayberry.

Tomorrow Roy Oswalt faces LHP Jaime Garcia. Maybe Oswalt will bat cleanup tomorrow.